DOMESTIC ASSAULT ATTORNEY IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

If you have been charged with domestic assault in St. Louis, then you have the right to defend yourself. Furthermore, you should consult with a domestic assault lawyer to explore your legal options. The Doskocil Law Firm is here to help you with your case.

I work with clients in criminal defense cases including domestic assault. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony, I can review your case and provide a strong defense to help you seek the best possible outcome. Call my law firm today and get a free case review with a St. Louis domestic assault lawyer.

WHAT IS DOMESTIC ASSAULT?

In Missouri, a domestic assault is any act of violence against a spouse, family member, roommate, a person with whom the offender had a romantic relationship, or a person with whom the offender had a child. In most cases, the assault is intentional. However, in certain cases of reckless behavior, a person may be charged with domestic assault if reckless behavior resulted in severe injury or fatality. Domestic assault cases can involve:

• Recklessness

• Criminal negligence

• Severe physical injury

• Deadly weapon or dangerous instrument

The main point to remember is that there was an injury or fatality that occurred as a result of a person’s gross negligence, recklessness, or intent to harm.

THREE DEGREES OF DOMESTIC ASSAULT

A person who commits domestic assault may be convicted of a misdemeanor or felony depending on the charge and the circumstances of the crime. The three degrees of domestic assault include:

DOMESTIC ASSAULT IN THE THIRD DEGREE

A person may be charged with third-degree assault if they attempt to cause physical injury, threaten a victim, cause injury due to reckless behavior, or engage in physical activity with a victim while attempting to isolate the victim unreasonably. The penalties for third-degree assault include:

• Class A misdemeanor charge

• Up to one year in jail

• A fine of up to $1,000

• Restitution for damages

DOMESTIC ASSAULT IN THE SECOND DEGREE

A person may be charged with second-degree assault if they use a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument to cause physical injury. Attempted harm by strangulation or choking is also grounds for a second-degree domestic assault charge. The penalties for second-degree assault include:

• Class C felony charge

• Up to seven years in prison

• A fine of up to $5,000

• Restitution for damages

DOMESTIC ASSAULT IN THE FIRST DEGREE

A person may be charged with first-degree assault if they attempt to kill the victim or cause severe physical injury to a domestic victim. A person who has any prior domestic assault conviction may also be charged with first-degree domestic assault. The penalties for first-degree assault include:

• Class A or B felony charge

• 10 to 30 years in prison (Class A felony)

• 5 to 15 years in prison (Class B felony)

• Restitution for damages

HIRING A DOMESTIC ASSAULT LAWYER

When police respond to a domestic assault call, the person that they determine to be the guilty party is likely to be arrested, taken to jail, and charged with a crime. However, the arrest and charge are often made on assumptions or testimony from the alleged victim. Sadly, many of these charges are based on false claims and innocent people go to jail.

The best defense against a conviction is hiring an experienced domestic assault lawyer. An attorney can determine if there are any grounds for dismissal and explore your plea options. Likewise, a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand the legal process and make recommendations that work in your favor. Most importantly, a lawyer can defend your rights so that you are not abused by the legal system or the prosecuting attorney.